Crack Formations in Arch Dams – Kölnbrein & Zillergründl

Kölnbrein Dam


Koelnbrein - Crack formation during the first reservoir filling period 1978
Remedial measures between 1981and 1983 - crack formation 1983.

Continuum-Mechanics investigation applying advanced Computer Software

XFEM – (Extended Finite Element Method) / ABAQUS 6.13 Simulia (Dassault Systèmes)

Discussion of Damage Potentials in the Design and Construction Phase of Arch Dams. 19. Internationales Seminar Wasserkraftanlagen. TU Wien 2016, 323-335

Zillergründl Dam

(Contracting Authority: Tauernkraftwerke AG.)

Fracture mechanics investigations carried out with FEFAP (predecessor of FRANC2D) showed a realistic simulation of this rapidly propagating crack with a starter length of 1.30 m and a gap-water-pressure of 1.5 MPa (150 m water depth)
Crack propagation
Failure assessment Diagram (FAD)
Repair measure Zillergründl arch dam: Base joint water pressure
Failure assessment criterion
(safe side)

Discussion of Damage Potentials in the Design and Construction Phase of Arch Dams. 19. Internationales Seminar Wasserkraftanlagen. TU Wien 2016, 323-335